Audio And Midi Interfaces-getting Started Options

[alton1]

Hi folks,

I have switched from a pc to a mac for recording music. I have a dual 866 G4. I have two issues. How do I get my audio into the mac? Previously, I used a sound card (M Audio Audiophile 24/96) with a pair of stereo RCA ins and outs that went to my mixing board's stereo ins and outs. This sound card won't fit into my mac. For now I just need to get the stereo mix from my mixing board to the computer and be able to get whatever's been recorded back out to my mixer.

On the MIDI end, I used a MOTU interface (Micro Express). The issue here is that the interface uses parallel ports or serial ports to connect to a computer and the mac G4 has USB ports. Is there an adapter or a cable that can make the connection for me. I know these are basic questions, but I appreciate your help.

[Jim Hoyland]

From your desciption, it sounds like you have a Mirrored Drive Doors dual 867Mhz, is that correct?

http://support.apple.com/specs/powermac/Po...rive_Doors.html

If so, you have stereo mini-jack line-in and line-outs on the rear of the unit. Depending on your operating system, you can either select built-in audio as your audio device to use these (up to 10.3.9) or create an aggregate audio device in Audio/Midi Setup in 10.4.

On the midi front, you should probably get the Gee Three Stealth serial adaptor:

http://www.geethree.com/stealth/index.html

which replaces the built-in modem. Its pretty cheap (under $50 US) and easy to fit - although you can get simple USB midi interfaces for about the same price, so perhaps you could consider upgrading to one of these.

[deaconblue]

alton,

I think Jim has described some very good solutions for you. One alterntive on the serial to USB front is the Keyspan USB High Speed Serial adapter.

On you M-Audio card, what is it that won't fit? the M-Audio card specs show that it should work (minimum system spec is a G3, so your G4 should have the same or better PCI card slot specs).

The MDD G4 has the following spec for PCI:

"Four open 64-bit, 33MHz PCI slots"

Are all your slots full? The driver for the card for your Mac is available from their web site as well.

peace.

[emgcarra]

Hi Alton1, Welcome to the forum...

First of all, you will need a dedicated audio interface in order to get any sound into your mac, same to get it out (I mean the same interface). Fortunately there are lots of stuff in the market...from $ 99.oo to infinite...
Then you have to deal with those USB and Firewire ins and outs......There is not an adapter or the like, to make your good all Motu into USB...Sorry, You´re going to purchase a new one, once again, you´re lucky
there are a bunch of Midi interfaces in the market that coul do the trick.
Now you will have to sit down for a while, paper & pencil, and start to write down your needs (music wise)
and then you´ll be ready to expend your money wisely and with a minimun error rate... All this is an advice
from someone who had been there...
Good Luck

emgcarra

[afrost59]

Depends on how many inputs you need

Presonus is something I use
I recommend the firebox, very simple firewire interface with great "pres".
Musician's friend has it for $299, but quite honestly I would go, for $100.00 more the FirePod, has more inputs. If it's just you and you don't see expanding your need for inputs the firebox is great.
I think you will like recording with your Mac!

AF